LCHS:Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the Licking County Animal Shelter and Licking County Humane Society?

The Humane Society is a managed intake 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We accept adoptable dogs and cats of sound health and temperament who are likely to be adopted. Cats and dogs enter our care through owner surrender or transfer from other shelters/rescues. The Humane Society also oversees the Humane Agent who serves the unincorporated areas of Licking County, as well as some of the villages and townships. The Humane Agent investigates animal cruelty cases in the County and the Humane Society provides for any animals confiscated or surrendered to the Humane Agent. This is accomplished through a contract with Licking County and various cities/villages. We cannot accept strays.

The Licking County Animal Shelter is the county animal control facility which is operated by the county through your dog licensing fees. They manage stray dogs in Licking County and enforce licensing and vicious animal laws.

The County Shelter is located at 544 Dog Leg Rd., Heath, Ohio and the Humane Society is now located at 825 Thornwood Drive Heath, Ohio.

Neither the County Shelter or Humane Society are able to manage or house wildlife. For problems with wildlife, please contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, District 1 at (614) 644-3929 or Ohio Wildlife Center at 614-793-9453 or http://www.ohiowildlifecenter.org

I’ve found a stray cat or dog. What should I do?

Contact the Licking County Animal Shelter (animal control) at (740) 349-6562. LCHS cannot accept strays, and by law, all stray animals must go to the county shelter for at least three days to allow time for their owner to find them.

I’ve lost my dog or cat. What should I do?

Check with the Licking County Animal Shelter, located at 544 Dog Leg Rd., Heath, Ohio. It’s not enough to call – you must visit in person to see if your missing pet is there. Start looking as soon as you know your pet is gone, then continue to check over the next couple months, as sometimes it takes a lost pet that long to make it to the shelter. (Lost pets may continue roaming, evade capture or a good Samaritan may have taken your pet in temporarily.)